Updated Bivalent Vaccine for Kids 6 Months and Older
The updated bivalent vaccine is now available for kids 6 months and older.
To book your booster shot or find a walk-in clinic, visit My Turn.
Children can get vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna updated bivalent vaccine if they are 6 months or older.
Since the start of the pandemic, caregivers have taken measures to keep their children safe by any means possible. Now it is time to give the whole family the best available tool to stay safe by getting vaccinated.
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Safe. Effective.
Vaccines are safe and effective in protecting children against severe infection by COVID-19. It is also important to continue getting parents and caregivers vaccinated so they can help their children grow and thrive.
COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for everyone aged 6 months and older, and the vaccines will help keep our children healthy for school, playdates and other activities that help them build bright futures. When more of our younger family members are vaccinated, they can join their older siblings, family, and friends in being safer and doing the things they love that support their long-term health and wellness.
Though your child may experience mild to moderate side effects after vaccine injection, these are common responses and a sign that their body is building up its defenses to protect them. It’s normal for a child to feel sore at the injection site or have a fever, headache, and muscle or joint pain for a day or two after vaccination.
Vaccines are already a normal and regular part of your child’s immunization schedule and just like your children’s routine vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines are an important addition to these safeguards.
It is also important to continue other harm reduction measures! It is strongly recommended that families wear a mask in indoor settings to limit the spread of germs. Wearing a well-fitting mask is key to keeping everyone in the family safe.
Vaccine eligibility
Any Californian aged 6 months and older can get vaccinated, for free. Your immigration or insurance status does not matter. No one will ask about your immigration status when you get vaccinated.
The eligibility for additional doses for immunocompromised people and booster doses vary by COVID-19 vaccine brand. The COVID-19 vaccine brands have different age and eligibility requirements.
To view your child's vaccination record, including their COVID-19 doses, request a copy using the Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) portal. Through the DVR portal, it is easy to access your or your child's immunization records, which can be used for school or childcare entry, work, and to verify DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine) doses. Your DVR can also be printed or saved on your smartphone.
To learn more about the DVR, visit the DVR FAQs webpage or call 1-833-422-4255 with questions.
Updated bivalent vaccine
The updated bivalent vaccine is now available for children ages 6 months – 5 years. Children 6 months – 5 years may be eligible for the updated bivalent vaccine if they:
Children 6 months through 4 years of age who have already completed their three-dose primary series with the original (monovalent) Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine will not be eligible for a bivalent vaccine at this time.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated bivalent vaccine if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was:
People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated bivalent vaccine.
You must have gotten your primary series vaccine or original booster at least 4-8 weeks ago to receive the bivalent vaccine. See if you’re eligible.
To book your bivalent vaccine shot or find a walk-in clinic, visit My Turn.
See why the CDC urges you to stay up to date with your vaccines.
Read more booster facts and booster questions and answers from CDPH.
Additional doses
Additional doses of Pfizer or Moderna are available for those with weak immune systems.
This includes people who:
Children aged 6 months and older with these conditions vaccinated with Moderna can get an additional dose of Moderna, and children 5 years and older with these conditions vaccinated with Pfizer can get an additional dose of Pfizer.
Talk to your doctor to see if getting an additional dose is right for you. If you meet these criteria, you can book your shot at My Turn.
See questions and answers about additional doses.
Questions and answers
Why should I vaccinate my child?
Cases in children are increasing. We must get young people vaccinated to prevent more hospitalizations and deaths.
Vaccinations protect children from the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as MIS-C, hospitalization, and death. They can also shrink the pool of people vulnerable to COVID-19. By getting children 6 months and up vaccinated, families can be safer as we get back to doing the things we love.
If I’m pregnant or breastfeeding, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The CDC strongly recommends that if you’re pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should get vaccinated. If you get COVID-19 while you are pregnant, you are more likely to get severely ill. Additionally, you are at increased risk of complications that can affect your pregnancy and developing baby, including premature birth.
The vaccines are safe for you and your baby. They do not contain the live virus, so they cannot cause COVID-19. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect your baby from COVID-19 by building antibodies in your blood and milk that is shared with the baby.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
For more information, read:
When Are You Up to Date?
You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines if you have completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by the CDC.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on three things:
People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
You are still up to date if you receive all COVID-19 vaccine doses recommended for you and then become ill with COVID-19. You do not need to be immediately revaccinated or receive an additional booster.
Get your questions answered and book your appointment today
It’s okay if you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your child’s doctor to learn more about how vaccines keep your child safe.
Visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to find a vaccine near you.
Stay informed
General Information
Find up-to-date information and services regarding California's Coronavirus (COVID-19) response at covid19.ca.gov.
Vaccination appointments for Californians aged 6 months and older can be made by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov. The consent of a parent or legal guardian may be needed for those between the ages of 6 months and 17 to receive a vaccination.
Visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
California Department of Public Health
More information for WIC families
What if my WIC office is closed?
The safety and health of your family is WIC's utmost priority during the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). To protect all families and staff, your local WIC offices may be offering services by phone or online until further notice.
Please call your WIC office ahead of your appointment to ask about completing it over the phone or online.
Your WIC benefits can be added to the California WIC card remotely. WIC staff may call or text you to confirm information about your account. Eligible families who do NOT have a California WIC Card may get a card mailed to them. Please check in by telephone or follow your WIC office’s website or social media for updates.
What if I can't contact my local WIC office?
Please contact the CDPH WIC Division State Headquarters:How can I get WIC if I lost my job due to COVID-19?
If you or someone you know has been financially affected by the pandemic and are pregnant, just had a baby, or have children under the age of five, WIC is accepting applications for new families and is here to help provide healthy foods and other resources. Eligible families, dads, grandparents and foster parents caring for eligible children should contact their local WIC office for more information.
You can find your local WIC office here: WIC Clinic Search
Check to see if you may be eligible for WIC.
How do I obtain therapeutic formula?
If your child receives therapeutic formula and you are unable to get it from your local WIC office, please call (800) 852-5770.
You may also email requests to formula@cdph.ca.gov.
Please send a copy of your Pediatric Referral Form to formula@cdph.ca.gov.
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